LifeGard is biological stimulator. The active ingredient, Bacillus mycoides isolate J. induces a natural immune response in the plant that reduces the occurrence and severity of disease. LifeGard itself has no direct effect on plant pathogens, but preventative applications (before infection or appearance of disease symptoms) can reduce the incidence and severity of subsequent disease. LifeGard should be tank mixed with other registered products with curative activity if disease is present at the time of application. LifeGard is most effective when used in combination or alternation with fungicides having other modes of action, registered for the control of labeled diseases, which may themselves be rendered more effective due to the elevated state of plant resistance to pathogens.

Rates: Application timing: LifeGard should be applied preventatively, before disease is observed in the field. Initial triggering of plant defense response occurs within minutes of application, but 3 – 5 days are required to attain maximum level of protection, which lasts up to 18 days after application. Apply to healthy, actively growing plants. Do not apply to plants that are stressed due to drought, excessive moisture, excessively hot or cold temperatures, herbicide injury, or other environmental stress. LifeGard is exempt from the requirement for residue tolerance and can be applied up to the day of harvest.

Application rate: Apply LifeGard at a concentration of 4.5 ounces per 100 gallons of water. If using dry measure rather than weight, the volume of 4.5 ounces of LifeGardTM WG is approximately ¾ cup. The amount of LifeGard applied per acre will depend on the finished spray volume (gallons per acre or GPA) required to adequately cover the crop. Lower volume (≤ 20 GPA) may be sufficient for uniform coverage of newly emerged or transplanted annual crops, or smaller crops such as leaf lettuce or spinach. Mature annual crops and those with large canopies (including trees) may require higher volumes (≥ 50 GPA) if using ground spray equipment. Do not apply less than 1 ounce or more than 4.5 ounces of LifeGard per acre.